Illness Coverage

Duke: Masks no longer required on buses and vans

The university had the mandates in place since September 2021.

Sick? Take the snot test. Mucus, cough and fever reveal how to treat a cold

If the mucus is dark green or dark yellow, the infection has worsened. You may need to visit the doctor.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

'Much more severe kind of food poisoning': Restaurant owners concerned about drug-resistant shigella

WRAL News spoke with local health experts about how shigella spreads and how local restaurants are keeping your food safe.

Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter

One swab, two tests: Cary drive-in clinic tests for COVID, flu

Starting on Tuesday, Wake County and Mako Medical are making it easier to check those coughs and sniffles to see what is really the problem.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

How to Stock Your Medicine Cabinet During the 'Tripledemic'

The flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, are here with a vengeance, and COVID-19 cases are experiencing a nationwide uptick. Together, these three respiratory illnesses are overwhelming hospitals and disrupting schools and offices.

Catherine Pearson and Knvul Sheikh, New York Times

Flu, RSV and COVID continue to stress healthcare system

In a season for spreading holiday cheer, experts say we are spreading so much more.

Adam Owens, WRAL anchor/reporter

Triangle, Fayetteville ERs filling up with sick people as flu, COVID, RSV cases mount

The bump in flu cases can be felt at local hospitals, where patients are starting to see an increase in wait times. Doctors in emergency rooms is the Triangle and in Fayetteville are dealing with patients suffering from more than just respiratory illnesses.

Gilbert Baez, WRAL Fayetteville reporter

Two Orange County High students taken to hospital after eating snack at school

Two Orange County High School students are recovering after getting sick while eating a snack at school Thursday.

China warns of new Langya virus

So far, the Langya henipavirus (LayV) seems to be spreading between animals.

State investigating cause of Jordan Lake dog deaths

Several dogs became sick, and some died, after spending time at Jordan Lake over the weekend.

Lethargic and shaking: Woman shares warning for others after dog dies while visiting Jordan Lake

The Chatham County Public Health department is warning pet owners about reports of dogs getting sick and even dying after visiting Jordan Lake this weekend.

Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporter

Locals with alopecia speak out about Chris Rock joke, Will Smith slap

Sandra Dubose, a Wake Forest woman who also has alopecia, watched the entire scene play out on her TV. She shares how she feels about Chris Rock's joke, and Will Smith's reaction.

'They don't see the tears:' Mom of child with alopecia says Will Smith's raw emotion understandable

Social media lit up with people sharing their opinions about Smith's actions, and some people see the incident as a small part of a much larger issue - about the need for education and sensitivity for people like Jada Pinkett Smith who have auto-immune disorders like alopecia.

Bryan Mims, WRAL reporter & Heather Leah, WRAL multiplatform producer

45 NC middle school students become ill for unknown reason

WXII reports 45 Starmount Middle School students got sick Monday afternoon for an unknown reason.

WXII News

CDC issues warning after first US cases of superbug fungus surfaces

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that patients had been infected with Candida auris, an emerging fungus that is highly transmissible.

Even when it's hot outside this summer, you might still want to wear pants

While ticks can bite any time, summer in North Carolina is prime time for trouble.

Monica Laliberte, WRAL executive producer/5 On Your Side reporter

4 natural ways to treat cold symptoms

Although there is no cure for the common cold, there are things you can try to help you feel better.

UNC Health Talk

Franklinton teen released from hospital after 8 months

Alexis MacKay was a 4.0 student and had just gotten her driver's license when she got sick in February. Her COVID-19 test came back negative, but something attacked her body, causing respiratory issues, brain swelling and paralysis.

New evidence of Bourbon Virus in NC

COVID-19 has gripped headlines for months. On Tuesday morning, Dr. Carl Williams joined WRAL News to discuss a different virus, which could become more prominent as more people go outside this summer.

Mystery illness striking children may be linked to COVID-19

Dozens of cases of the potentially life-threatening illness have been reported in the United States and Europe.

Raleigh woman's journey through coronavirus testing

A north Raleigh woman feared she had coronavirus when she developed a fever, cough and congestion.

Monica Laliberte, Executive producer/consumer reporter

Symptoms lead to coronavirus test for Raleigh woman

A north Raleigh woman feared she had coronavirus when she developed a fever, cough and congestion.

Walmart, Uber and Others Tweak Sick-Leave Policies as Coronavirus Spreads

Walmart, Uber and other major companies announced new policies this week to grant paid leave or other compensation to workers who contract the new coronavirus or are quarantined by order of the government or their companies.

Johnny Diaz and Karen Zraick, New York Times

People, stores in the Triangle stockpile face masks--but CDC cautions against hoarding

People and stores in the Triangle have begun stockpiling masks ahead of coronavirus fears. However, the CDC recommends against healthy people rushing stores to get masks--as it could impact people with the greatest need from accessing them.

Kasey Cunningham

Triangle people, stores stockpile face masks ahead of coronavirus fears

The CDC is not recommending for the general public to wear masks. Many people have been stocking up as a precaution, but a rush on masks could prevent people who most need the masks--such as people who have symptoms of coronavirus, healthcare workers and those are are caring for people with the virus--from accessing them.